Compendium of Jainism

Author(s): T K Tukol, A N Upadhye
Publisher: Prasaranga Karnatak University Dharwar

Page 31

JAINISM AND ITS ANTIQUITY
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Vedic literature in its various stages of development will reveal the fact that there have been two parallel developments of thought, one in conflict with the other. One emphasises strictly the principles of Ahimsā and the other the duties of sacrifice ... the Ahimsā doctrine preached by Rşabha is possibly prior in time to the advent of Aryans in ludia and the prevalent culture of the period”. 33 Writing on the history of Jainism, Professor Hiralal expresses almost identical views: “The Jainas claim antiquity for their religion. Their earliest prophet was Rşabhadeva, who is mentioned even in the Vişņu and Bhagavata Purăņas as belonging to a very remote past. In the earliest Brabmanic literature are found traces of the existence of a religious order which ranged itself strongly against the authority of the Vedas and the institution of animal sacrifice. According to the Jaina tradition, at the time of the Mahābhārala war, this order was led by Neminātha, who is said to have belonged to the same Yādava family as Kșşņa and who is recognised as the twenty-second Tirthankara. The order gathered particular strength during the eighth century B. C. under Pārsvanātha, the twenty-third Tirthankara who was born at Vāraṇāsi.34 Dr. A. N. Upadhye who is an eminent scholar on Jainology and Prakrit studies, supports the conclusions reached above: “To take a practical view, the Jaina Tirthankaras like Rşabhadeva, Neminātha, Pārsvanātha, Mahāvira etc. have been some of the greatest mystics of the world..... It would be interesting to note that the details about Rşabhadeva given in the Bhāgavata practically and fundamentally agree with those recorded by the Jaina tradition."35
There are other Indian scholars who have subscribed to the antiquity of Jainism. Dr. Vidya Bhushan opines that “Jainism reflects back to the beginning of the creation itself. I have no doubt in asserting that Jaina philosophy is much anterior to Vedānta and other systems."36 Dr. N. N. Basu has been quoted by Jyoti Prasad as saying: “Probably Rşabhadeva was the first to discover the art of writing. He seems to have invented the Brāhmi script for the propagation of Brahma